10:1 - 22:16 - These proverbs are
general principles and guidelines that
may have exceptions. They are true as
general rules (Ryrie Study Bible).

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his
mouth (i.e. the appropriate answer - it is
satisfying to be able to give helpful
answers): and a word spoken in due
season (at just the right time), how good is
it!

24 The way of life is above (i.e. goes
upward) to (i.e. for) the wise, that he may
depart from (avoid) hell (Heb. Sheol -
death and the grave) beneath. (There are
"two roads and two destinies of the human
race" - Believer's Bible Commentary)

25 The LORD will destroy the house (i.e.
estate) of the proud (the haughty and
highhanded): but he will establish the
border (i.e. boundary) of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked (i.e. evil
thoughts) are an abomination to the
LORD: but the words of the pure are
pleasant words (The Lord is pleased with
the pleasant words of the pure. Their words
express their thoughts.).

27 He that is greedy of gain (gains unjust
profit by violence - Ryrie Study Bible)
troubleth his own house; but he that
hateth gifts (i.e. bribes) shall live (i.e. enjoy
life).

28 The heart of the righteous studieth (i.e.
ponders) to answer (He thinks before he
speaks.): but the mouth of the wicked
poureth out (i.e. gushes out) evil things
(without even thinking, like water bubbling
out of a spring. What comes out of his
mouth comes from his wicked heart.).

29 The LORD is far from the wicked (He
does not hear and answer the prayers of the
wicked.): but he heareth the prayer of the
righteous (The believer has instant and
constant access to the throne of grace.).

30 The light of the eyes (i.e. the brightness
that shines in the eyes when good news
comes) rejoiceth the heart: and a good
report maketh the bones fat (i.e.
invigorates the body).

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life
(i.e. reproof that, if heeded, prolongs life -
Ryrie Study Bible. The teaching of the Bible
in general and the gospel in particular is life-giving counsel - Believer's Bible
Commentary) abideth among the wise (He
takes his place among the wise.).

32 He that refuseth instruction (i.e.
discipline or moral correction) despiseth
his own soul (i.e. hates himself - to be
unteachable is to despise yourself - Ryrie
Study Bible): but he that heareth reproof
getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction
of (the discipline that leads to) wisdom (the
fear of the Lord teaches wisdom); and
before honour is humility.

10:1 - 22:16 - These proverbs are
general principles and guidelines that
may have exceptions. They are true as
general rules - (Ryrie Study Bible).

1 The preparations (i.e. plans) of the heart
in (i.e. belong to) man, and the answer of
the tongue, is from the LORD. (Man may
make plans, but the execution of them,
which becomes explicit in speech, fulfills
God's designs - Ryrie Study Bible; man may
plan but God determines what happens.)

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his
own eyes (Man judges himself by his own
standards and pronounces himself pure); but
the LORD weigheth the spirits (i.e. moral
character or disposition. God sees the
motives and intentions.).

3 Commit (i.e. roll) thy works unto (i.e.
upon) the LORD, and thy thoughts shall
be established (The Lord works in us to will
and do of His good pleasure. When we are
completely committed to the Lord, our
thoughts will actually be His thoughts.).

4 The LORD hath made all things for
himself (i.e. for its and His own purpose):
yea, even (i.e. including) the wicked for the
day of evil (i.e. judgment). (This does not
mean that God has created certain
individuals so that He can send them to hell.
People go to hell because of their choice not
to trust Christ as their Savior, not because
God wants them to go there. "This verse
teaches that God has an end, object, or
purpose for everything. There is a result for
every cause, a reward or punishment for
every act. He has ordained a day of trouble
or evil for the wicked, just as He has
prepared heaven for those who Love Him" -
Believer's Bible Commentary

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an
abomination to the LORD (The LORD
hates pride.): though hand join in hand
(lit., hand in hand as if shaking hands to
confirm something - it suggests that they
have united with each other or joined forces
with each other in opposition to God - see
11:21), he shall not be unpunished (Their
punishment is certain.).

6 By mercy (i.e. loyal love) and truth (i.e.
faithfulness) iniquity is purged (i.e. atoned
for. This does not mean that someone is
saved by being merciful and truthful. Mercy
and truth in one's life are evidences that he
has been genuinely saved.): and by the fear
of the LORD men depart from evil (The
fear of the Lord motivates a man to turn
away from sin when he is tempted - Ryrie
Study Bible).

7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
he maketh even his enemies to be at peace
with him. (This is a general truth. Jesus
Himself was crucified.)

8 Better is a little with righteousness than
great revenues (i.e. income) without right
(i.e. justice or with fraud).

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the
LORD directeth his steps (A man may
make all kinds of plans, but it is the LORD
who determines whether these plans will
materialize.).

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the
king: his mouth transgresseth not in
judgment (The reference is to the finality of
the king's words. Because of this it is
necessary that he be careful not to err in
judgment - Ryrie Study Bible) Because the
king is the representative of God in
judgment, his edicts and decisions carry
authority and finality. He must be right in
what he decides).